MATCH REPORT – Saturday, March 21, 2009 – Havant 17 pts v Chinnor 25 pts;
AS predicted this game went right down to the wire. Hook lane at Havant on Saturday afternoon was no place for those of a nervous disposition. This was a must-win game for both sides.
Chinnor were once again forced to make changes to their starting line-up in the threes. James Serrano came in on the right wing, and in the pack a reshuffle was required at the last moment as Bob Baker was called up by Wasps for their Sunday fixture against Bristol. Tom Whelan made a welcome return at tight head prop, Andy Millburn came into the second row and Arthur Ellis came in at hooker, fresh from his England Under 20 duties.
Chinnor started in a sprightly fashion, spreading the ball at every availailable opportunity away from the heavier Havant forwards. They went close to scoring several times in the early stages, once ignoring a three on one overlap. Eventually their persistence was rewarded when, in the nineth minute, Richard Williams finished off a sweeping move to run in under the posts. With James Cathcart adding the conversion and a penalty in the 30th minute, Chinnor lead at the interval by 10 points. They should have been further in front but squandered a couple of clear cut chances just before the half-time whistle.
A penalty by Liam Davenport, the Havant scrum half, whose box kicking was to cause the Chinnor defence many anxious moments in the second period, reduced the deficit after just 10 minutes play, and when he converted a fine solo effort from full back Karim Ward 11 minutes later, it was all square.
Cathcart then stepped up to the mark with a penalty to edge Chinnor in front but another try by Ryan McBride straight from the resultant kick-off, converted by Davenport, put Havant four points ahead with just 13 minutes remaining. A try by Trevor Powell some four minutes later edged Chinnor ahead by just a single point and with the game opening up this was obviously a tenuous lead with still nine minutes left on the clock. A second Richard Williams try in the 77 minute gave Chinnor a little breathing space with the all important conversion required to put them two scores ahead with time running out. Cathcart then stepped up to the mark both with his temperament and accuracy proving invaluable for the not-too-easy kick.
That Chinnor responded in such a positive fashion with defeat a distinct possibility as time was running out, says much for their character. This was always going to be a difficult game on Havant’s patch with them desperately needing a win to stave off relegation. That Chinnor prevailed is good news as it keeps the season alive, and with Lydney at Kingsey Road next Saturday, there is once again all to play for.
On a sad note, Angus Neilson, who had a storming game, suffered delayed concussion and spent the night in the John Radcliffe under observation. He got the all clear on Sunday morning. However this is not the first time that Angus has suffered in this manner and it looks that he will have to sit out the rest of the season.